The Patriots are trying to wrap up their first half of the 2017 season with a 6-2 record with a hopeful win over the Chargers. The Patriots are guaranteed to have a winning record through eight games which has been common during the Bill Belichick era. The Patriots have started .500 or worse through eight games only four times: 2000 (2-6), 2001 (4-4), 2002 (4-4), and 2005 (4-4).
The Patriots were 7-1 through eight games in 2016 and 8-0 in 2015, but they were 6-2 in 2014 and 2013 and 5-3 in 2012 and 2011. Whatever happens in this game, the Patriots are going to be at least in the same position as they’ve been during their streak of AFC Conference Game appearances.